8
He bound the Abbot to a tree,
And would not let him pass,
Before that to his men and he,
His Lordship had said Mass.
Which being done, upon his horse,
He set him fast astride,
And with his face towards his arse,
He forc'd him to ride
His men were forced to be his guide,
For he rode backwards home;
The Abbot being this villify'd,
Did sorely fret and fume.
Thus Robin Hood did vindicate
His former wrongs received,
For it was this covetous prelate
Him of his land bereav'd.
The Abbot rode unto the King,
With all the haste he could,
And to his Grace in every thing
Exactly did unfold.
And said if that no cauſe was ta'en.
By force or stratagem,
To take this rebel and his train,
No man could pass by them.
The King protested by and by
Unto the Abbot then
That Robin Hood with speed should die,
And all his merry men:
But e'er the King did any send
He did another feat,
